Baseball-like game and associated game facility

ABSTRACT

A baseball-like game played within an enclosed mesh net facility, wherein the game rules and facility are designed for fast paced action. The inventive baseball-like game is designed to be played in a time span of approximately one hour. The inventive facility eliminates foul zones, and has designated safe zones and home run zones located on the mesh net sides of the facility. Innings in the game are determined by a set number of pitches, rather than by the number of outs generated. Outs that are generated count as points for the fielding team. Walks that occur are counted as points for the batting team.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention pertains generally to baseball and baseball-like games wherein a ball is struck with a bat, or similar implement, and more particularly, to a baseball-like game played within an enclosed game facility.

BACKGROUND

[0002] The game of baseball has been played in a number of forms throughout its history. A number of these baseball-like games have been played indoors or within netted enclosures.

[0003] For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,798,389 issued to Long discloses an indoor baseball facility with sides and a ceiling comprised of a mesh material, the sides and ceiling enclosing a playing field. The facility disclosed in Long is designed to allow balls to be played off of the sides in a rebounding fashion, and further has a designated home run zone located on the sides wherein a player scores a home run if he hits a ball into the zone.

[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 4,973,061 issued to Catherall discloses an indoor baseball facility having sides and ceiling comprised of netting.

[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 4,758,002 issued to Murphy discloses another indoor baseball facility having a ceiling and sides comprised of netting. This reference also discloses placing a designated home run zone on the sides of the facility.

[0006] The previously mentioned patents disclose various indoor baseball facilities and related game rules for playing baseball-like games within indoor facilities. The facilities and rules described thus far present a drawback in that the games played therein are very similar to traditional baseball except that they are played on a smaller, enclosed, playing field. The inclusion of foul balls and foul ball zones are kept as part of these games, which slows the pace of these games considerably, as foul balls are counted, and chased down by players. Also, the traditional rule of using the attainment of three outs to determine the length of an inning is retained, which presents a further delay of the game because the players must endure the tedious routine of waiting through strikes, balls, fouls, and caught fly balls, until a total of three outs are tallied to end an inning. For these reasons, the time to play the previously noted games approximates that of lengthy traditional baseball.

[0007] Baseball rules where foul balls have been eliminated are disclosed in the Howell Living History-Old Time Baseball reference and U.S. Pat. No. 5,246,228. However, these references disclose outdoor baseball games having no enclosures and the rules described in these references are not suited to playing withing enclosures. Therefore, while foul balls may be eliminated from the rules, players nevertheless still have to chase down long balls which are not confined within an enclosure, thereby resulting in the same lengthy delay of game as before.

[0008] Baseball rules which modify an aspect of a baseball game were disclosed in the 1995 MYBA Community Baseball Rules reference and the Age 7-8 Pinto Division Baseball League Rules which both cite the practice of allowing a batter seven (7) and six (6) pitches, respectively. In a normal lineup of nine players, the players could conceivably ply through 63 and 54 pitches, respectively; still a lengthy proposition. These references do not disclose using a fixed number of pitches to limit the length of an inning, nor do they eliminate foul balls. Also these rules are not suited to play within an enclosure.

[0009] Traditional baseball or softball facilities and rules simply do not lend to a game that is fast paced wherein a full game can be played in a relatively short length of time. In today's fast paced society, a baseball-like game that could provide an exciting rate of play, with a good aerobic workout, in approximately one-hour, would fit well into busy schedules.

[0010] The foregoing discussion reflects the state of the art which the inventor is aware, and is tendered with a view toward discharging the inventor's acknowledged duty of candor in disclosing information which may be pertinent with regards to the patentability of the present invention. It is respectfully stipulated, however, that the disclosed information does not teach or render obvious, singly or when considered in combination, the inventor's claimed invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The present invention is a baseball-like game played within an enclosed facility, wherein the game rules and facility are designed for fast paced action. The inventive baseball-like game is designed to be played in a time span of approximately one hour.

[0012] The inventive facility has vertical sides and a roof comprised of mesh material capable of retaining a regulation sized baseball or softball therein. The playing field lies within the boundaries of the enclosure sides and comprises an outfield and an infield. The path from home base to first base and the path from third base to home are parallel with the adjacent sides of the enclosure. There is no foul territory adjacent to these paths, and furthermore, any ball landing in the area between these paths and the sides of the enclosure remains live.

[0013] The inventive game played within the enclosed facility is also designed for fast play. Innings in the game are determined by a set number of pitches, rather than by the number of outs generated. Outs that are generated count as points for the fielding team. Walks that occur are counted as points for the batting team.

[0014] Accordingly, the following objects and advantages are to be achieved by the inventive baseball-like game and facility:

[0015] An object of the invention is to have a baseball-like game which can be played in approximately one hour.

[0016] Another object is to have a baseball-like game which provides for fast paced action and thereby provides a player with a greater aerobic workout than traditional baseball.

[0017] Another object is to allow the fielding side to score points by making outs and win a game, even if it is losing in the last inning.

[0018] Still another object is to have an enclosed facility providing a fast paced baseball-like game which can be housed indoors.

[0019] Further objects and advantages of the invention will be brought out in the following portions of the specification, wherein the detailed description is for the purpose of fully disclosing preferred embodiments of the invention, without placing limitations thereon.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] The invention will be more fully understood by reference to the following drawings which are for illustrative purposes only:

[0021]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the inventive facility shown without a ceiling and with the nearest vertical sides shown in outline.

[0022]FIG. 2 is an end perspective view of the inventive facility showing a vertical mesh side having a safe zone and a home run zone.

[0023]FIG. 3 is a plan view of the playing field enclosed within the borders of the vertical sides of the inventive facility.

[0024]FIG. 4 is a closeup side view of a vertical side of the inventive facility showing a designated safe zone and home run zone.

[0025]FIG. 5A is a closeup plan view of an elongated first base in accordance with the inventive facility.

[0026]FIG. 5B is a closeup plan view of an elongated home base in accordance with the inventive facility.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0027] Referring to the drawings, the inventive facility is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The inventive facility 10 is comprised of an enclosure 12 having four vertical sides 14 a-d, and a ceiling16, preferably made from nylon mesh material 18. The mesh material is capable of retaining a regulation sized baseball or softball within the enclosure 12. The mesh material is sprung to a tension using cables (not shown) for allowing a fly ball to rebound upon impact with the sides14 a-d or ceiling 16 of the enclosure 12.

[0028]FIG. 3 is a plan view of the playing field defined by the sides 14 a-d of enclosure 12, the sides surrounding a playing field area of approximately 100′×100′ square. The playing field is comprised of an infield 20 and an outfield 22. The infield 20 is comprised of a home base 24, a first base 26, second base 28 and third base 30. The bases are connected with a running path 32 which forms a circuit around the bases. For an indoor facility the running path 32 can be constructed from inlaid tiles, or the like. Conspicuously absent from the playing field are foul ball zones located adjacent to the portion of running paths 32 between home-first and third-home. Furthermore, the portion of running path 32 between home-first and third-home are adjacent to and parallel with vertical sides 14 a, 14 b. This layout contrasts with a traditional baseball infield where the sides of the field diverge from the home-first and third-home paths in a non-parallel, non-adjacent manner, to form the foul zones.

[0029] The distance of running path 32 to vertical sides 14 a, 14 b is approximately between six to eight feet and this area 34 therefore allows a player or umpire to walk safely without contacting a second player charging along running path 32. The elimination of foul zones also eliminates the associated wasted game time of having to chase down balls in such large foul zones and the added time involved in having to wait for the pitcher to recover the ball and pitch it again after a foul. Instead, if a batter strikes a ball into area 34, the ball remains live and is played. If a ball contacts vertical sides 14 a,14 b, the close, adjacent proximity of the sides to the infield 20 will generally allow the ball to be caught off of the sides or else rebound into the infield 20 where the ball can be quickly recovered by the pitcher or other players on the fielding team.

[0030] Still referring to FIG. 3, the infield 20 is comprised of two pitches 36 a, 36 b. The first pitch 36 a is closer to home plate 24 while the second pitch 36 b is furthest from home plate 24. The first pitch 36 a can be used for softball, while the second pitch 36 b can be used for baseball games.

[0031] Referring again to FIG. 1, and now to FIG. 4, the vertical sides 14 c,14 d can be further described. Vertical sides 14 c,14 d border the outfield 22 and are typically struck with fly balls. In the rules of the inventive game discussed further herein, a fly ball caught from the air or caught after rebounding from the mesh vertical sides 14 a-d, or ceiling is counted as an “out” and results in an added point value for the fielding team. Upon vertical sides 14 c,14 d are placed a safe zone 38 wherein if a fly ball strikes a location within the confines of the safe zone 38, the ball is not counted as an “out,” upon being caught; however, a base runner can still be thrown out by a fielding player after that player has caught the ball from a safe zone. Furthermore, preferably located adjacent to the safe zone 38 is a home run zone 40. At the convergence of sides 14 c,14 d, the home run zones 40 take up the corner area and forms a home run pocket 41 as shown in FIG. 1. Consequently, if a fly ball strikes anywhere within the confines of the home run zone, the ball is counted as a home run.

[0032]FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate an improved home base 24 and first base 26, respectively, which are part of the inventive facility 10. The improved bases 24, 26 are comprised of elongated shapes which allow a first baseman or catcher to position himself out of the path of a running player who is attempting to make it to home or first base. A typical regulation sized first base is of a square shape, while a regulation home base has a triangulate front and a square back. In FIGS. 5A and 5B, the boundary of a regulation first and home base is denoted by the dotted line 43. As shown here, first base 26 has an elongated portion 42 to form the shape of an elongated rectangle, while for the home plate 24, the short square back is replaced with an elongated rectangular back portion 44. These configurations for home base 24 and first base 26 help avoid collisions between players, thus helping to avoid injuries. A catcher, for example, needs only to touch the elongated home base to cause the running player to be “out.” While only the home base and first base are shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the elongated base concept can be applied to second and third bases as well.

[0033] The inventive game played within the inventive facility comprises the following rules; if a certain rule is not specifically addressed below, then standard baseball or softball rules can be assumed to apply:

[0034] 1. Equipment

[0035] The bat used in the inventive game is of regulation baseball dimensions. The ball used may be a hardball, softball or rubberized softball. The wearing of uniforms by the players is optional. The use of leather mits, catcher's face mask, and protective helmets are encouraged to enhance the safety of the inventive game.

[0036] 2. Team Numbers

[0037] A team is comprised of a maximum of nine (9) players in the preferred embodiment. Substitutes are only allowed for a player who is injured during the course of the game and who is unable to continue. The substitute shall bat in the position and in the order of the injured player. The players on the opposing teams can be same-sex or mixed sexes.

[0038] 3. Officials

[0039] The game is controlled by at least one umpire, standing behind the catcher. Other umpires, such as base and line umpires, can be included to further officiate the game if desired. The umpire keeps score according to the scoring rules of the game described further herein. Additionally, the umpire settles disputes between the opposing teams. The umpire preferably calls out the game over a wireless headset and keeps score via a wireless, remote controlled scoreboard.

[0040] 4. Duration

[0041] A game comprises four innings of sixteen (16) pitches per inning. This duration and number of pitches has proven to provide a very fast action game which can be completed in approximately one hour. The game allows a minimum number of two (2) pitchers, pitching the maximum of 16 pitches. There may be different pitcher(s) in any one inning and the pitcher(s) from a fielding team may be different when the team fields in a subsequent inning. The last three (3) pitches of the 16-pitch innings have to be strikes. This insures that the inning will end with the last batter having a clear opportunity to hit and score runs rather than being walked. However, if during this three strike period the pitcher throws enough balls, he can still walk a batter, without the balls counting toward the 16-pitch total. The number of innings, the number of pitches, and the minimum number of pitchers may be altered by the umpire for various reasons (e.g. if time needs to be made up for a late start caused by the participating teams).

[0042] 5. Rules of Play

[0043] i. Starting the Game

[0044] The determination of which team is first at bat is determined by a coin toss. Players from the fielding team take up their positions. The positions of the fielding team are the standard baseball rule positions of first, second and third basemen; pitcher; shortstop; and right and left field. The game begins on the umpires call of “Play.” The batting team remains outside of the mesh enclosure or in a designated dugout, until an individual batter is required to take his turn at bat. The pitcher on the fielding team has a five-pitch warm up. If softball is being played the pitch trajectory must remain between six and twelve feet high. Otherwise, normal baseball pitch rules apply.

[0045] ii Live and Dead Balls

[0046] The ball is live from the time it is pitched until the time the pitcher regains possession. The lack of foul ball zones on the facility playing field keeps the ball live after being struck by a batter, thereby leading to continuous, fast-paced play from the time the ball is pitched, until the time when the pitcher regains possession of the ball to pitch again.

[0047] iii Fielding-Making Outs

[0048] To make an out at first, second, third base or home, a fielder or catcher tags a base when he touches that base with his body while holding the ball securely in his hand or glove. If a run is not forced, the fielding player must tag the batter out except at home base, for safety reasons. The elongated bases described herein allow the fielder to avoid direct contact with a charging base runner, thereby further enhancing the safety of the game. A fielder makes an out if the ball is caught before it hits the ground either on the fly or off of the mesh net comprising the vertical sides or ceiling.

[0049] A catcher can catch the batter out in the live area 34 only when the ball rebounds from the vertical sides 14 a, 14 b or from the ceiling 16. Any ball struck into the live area 34 is considered to be live and the batter must run. A catcher can also catch a batter out if the ball is caught from mid air or off the ceiling 16 in infield 20.

[0050] A batter is not out if the ball is caught off of the net located in one of the safe zones. When the ball hits a safe zone, it remains live. The runners do not have to “tag up” if the ball is caught off of the net in the safe zone. However, the fielder who catches the ball from the safe zone may still throw a batter out at any base.

[0051] iv Batting

[0052] A batter is out upon making two strikes. A strike occurs when the ball crosses the plate between the knees and the chest, or additionally, in the case of softball, when a ball lands on the home base. A batter walks when a pitcher causes two balls to occur. Base runners may only leave their bases when a batter strikes a ball or the pitched ball crosses home plate. The batting rotation continues into the next inning in that the “at bat” batter from the previous inning is first up in the next inning. These rules can be altered by the umpire, if desired.

[0053] v. Scoring Home Runs and Extra Points

[0054] Each time a batter drives a ball into a designated home run zone, a home run is scored, and all on-base runners go around the bases to home plate. The following preferred point totals for each scoring aspect of the game are applied: 1) each time a runner comes home and touches the home plate, a full run (point) is scored; 2) each time a batter is walked, the batting team is credited with a bonus half-run (half point); 3) each time the fielding team gets a batter out, the fielding team is credited with a bonus half-run (half point). A batter running between bases may not deviate further than two (2) feet from the line joining the center of the bases to avoid being tagged out. If the batter deviates more than the allotted two feet, he is automatically out and the fielding side get a bonus half-run. At the end of the four innings the team with the most points, wins.

[0055] Accordingly, the inventive facility and game described herein provides a fast paced, baseball-like game which can be played in approximately one hour. Further, the elimination of game delaying foul balls creates a greater aerobic experience than traditional baseball because the action of the game is much quicker. These aspects lend favorably to a modem society which desires a fun, aerobically challenging activity which can be completed in a short span of time.

[0056] Finally, although the description above contains many specificities, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments of this invention. This inventive facility and baseball-like game be altered and rearranged in numerous ways by one skilled in the art without departing from the coverage of the appended claims. 

1. A game having innings wherein a player strikes a ball with a bat and runs around bases, the game comprising: providing a bat and a ball; providing a facility with sides and a ceiling having a playing field located therein; providing first, second, third and home bases on said playing field, said bases being connected in a circuit by a running path; positioning said running path from home to first base substantially adjacent to and parallel with a first side of said facility; and positioning said running path from home to first base substantially adjacent to and parallel with a second side of said facility.
 2. The game having innings of claim 1, further comprising determining the length of an inning by a number of pitches thrown.
 3. The game having innings of claim 1, further comprising scoring the game by adding a point total to the batting team for each walk.
 4. The game having innings of claim 1, further comprising scoring the game by adding a point total to the fielding team for each out.
 5. The game having innings of claim 4, wherein said outs are generated by catching fly balls.
 6. The game having innings of claim 4, wherein said outs are generated by catching balls rebounding off said sides and ceiling of said enclosure.
 7. The game having innings of claim 1, further comprising providing designated safe zones upon said sides of said facility.
 8. The game having innings of claim 7, wherein a ball caught by a fielding player after contacting said safe zone is not counted as an out, but can still be thrown by the same fielding player to cause a player from the batting team to be out.
 9. The game having innings of claim 1, further comprising scoring the game using wireless electronic means.
 10. The game having innings of claim 1, further comprising scoring the game by adding a point total to the fielding team if a member of the batting team deviates a defined distance from a running path while running between bases.
 11. The game having innings of claim 1, wherein the ball remains live no matter where it lands in said facility after being struck by a player.
 12. A facility for playing a game wherein a player strikes a ball with a bat and runs a plurality of bases, the facility comprising: an enclosure having vertical sides, said enclosure enclosing an outfield and an infield; said infield including first, second, third and home bases, said bases being connected in a circuit by a running path; a portion of said running path from home to first base being positioned substantially adjacent and parallel to a first vertical side of said enclosure; a portion of said running path from third base to home positioned substantially adjacent and parallel to a second vertical side of said enclosure.
 13. The facility of claim 12, wherein said vertical sides further comprise designated safe zones.
 14. The facility of claim 12, wherein said vertical sides further comprise designated home run zones.
 15. The facility of claim 12, wherein said vertical sides are comprised of net mesh of a size for retaining a regulation sized baseball or softball.
 16. The facility of claim 12, further comprising a live ball area located between said noted portions of said running path and said sides of said enclosure.
 17. The live ball area of claim 16, having a width of approximately between six to eight feet.
 18. A baseball-like game having innings wherein the length of said innings are determined by the number of pitches thrown.
 19. An enclosed baseball facility wherein all areas located within said facility are live ball ball zones.
 20. A plate for a baseball-like game, the plate being proportioned to have an extended area beyond the dimension of a regulation size baseball plate to allow a member of a fielding team to touch the plate to make an out without having to contact a charging base runner. 